ACTi B412 vs Geovision BL34000-002U: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi B412 and Geovision BL34000-002U are outdoor IP bullet cameras rated at 3MP resolution, making them legitimate cross-shop candidates for perimeter and entrance surveillance applications. The comparison examines how they differ across imaging capability, installation requirements, and systems integration—areas where spec-level differences between a motorized-zoom platform and a fixed varifocal camera can drive significantly different deployment outcomes.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
The ACTi B412 uses a 1/2.8-inch sensor delivering 2048×1536 (3MP) at up to 30 fps, with a 4.7–47mm 10× motorized optical zoom lens. Minimum illumination is rated at 0.003 lux in color mode (F1.6) and 0 lux with its 940nm (invisible) IR LEDs active, with an IR range of 60m. WDR is rated at 145dB Extreme. The Geovision BL34000-002U is also a 3MP camera with a 3–9mm varifocal lens. Its minimum illumination, sensor size, and IR range are not stated in the provided specifications; WDR is listed simply as 'WDR' with no dB rating.
On the imaging axis, the B412 carries material specification advantages: a quantified 145dB WDR rating versus an unquantified WDR claim on the BL34000-002U, a documented 60m IR range versus an unspecified range, a confirmed 0 lux floor with IR active versus no figure provided for the Geovision, and a 10× optical zoom range (4.7–47mm) versus a fixed 3× varifocal (3–9mm). Buyers who need to verify low-light performance or WDR performance against a number cannot do so from the Geovision spec sheet as provided.
What about installation and environment?
Both cameras are rated for −40°C to 60°C operating temperature and ship in a bullet form factor for outdoor use. IP rating differs: the B412 carries IP66 (dust-tight, powerful water jet protected) plus IK10 (impact resistance against 20-joule strikes). The BL34000-002U carries IP67 (dust-tight, temporary submersion to 1m), but no IK rating is listed. IP67 adds submersion tolerance that IP66 lacks, while IK10 adds vandal resistance that IP67 does not address—the relevant rating depends on the threat model at the installation site.
Power requirements differ significantly. The B412 requires PoE++ (802.3bt) or DC 12V, reflecting the higher draw of a motorized zoom mechanism; the spec sheet also references 'High PoE (IEEE 802.3at)' in one field, creating an internal ambiguity, but the primary listing is 802.3bt. The BL34000-002U draws under 13W maximum and is powered by standard 802.3af PoE—compatible with any standard PoE switch port without an upgrade. Mount options for the B412 include wall, ceiling, pole, and rack; the BL34000-002U lists wall, eave, and bracket.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
Both cameras declare ONVIF compliance. The B412 is certified for ONVIF Profile S, Profile G, Profile T, and Profile M, enabling live streaming, recording, event handling, and metadata integration across compatible VMS platforms. The BL34000-002U is listed as ONVIF Profile S and is additionally noted as compatible with Geovision's own GeoVision VMS platform; no additional ONVIF profiles are specified in the provided data.
Edge analytics are documented only for the B412: VMD (video motion detection), People Counting, and Smoke Detection are listed. No edge analytics are specified for the BL34000-002U. Audio capability is also exclusive to the B412 in the provided specs—it includes audio input, a built-in microphone, mic-in, line-in, and line-out. No audio hardware is listed for the BL34000-002U. On-board (edge) storage specifications are absent for both models in the data provided.
Which should you choose: the B412 or the BL34000-002U?
Our take: The B412 is the stronger choice when imaging depth, analytics, and VMS breadth are the primary evaluation criteria. Three concrete spec deltas support this: first, the B412 provides a quantified 145dB Extreme WDR rating and a 0-lux IR floor at 60m, while the BL34000-002U supplies no dB figure for WDR and no IR range or illumination floor; second, the B412 adds IK10 impact resistance absent from the Geovision spec sheet; third, the B412 supports ONVIF Profiles S, G, T, and M plus documented edge analytics (VMD, People Counting, Smoke Detection) and full audio I/O, versus Profile S only and no stated analytics or audio for the BL34000-002U. The BL34000-002U holds two advantages from its specifications: IP67 submersion tolerance versus IP66, and 802.3af standard PoE versus the B412's 802.3bt requirement—meaningful where switch infrastructure cannot supply higher wattage. Choose the BL34000-002U where power budget and existing 802.3af infrastructure are fixed constraints.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi B412 | Geovision BL34000-002U |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 3MP (2048×1536) | 3MP |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.8 inch | — |
| Lens / Focal Length | 4.7–47mm 10× motorized optical zoom | 3–9mm varifocal |
| Min. Illumination | 0.003 lux (color, F1.6); 0 lux (IR on) | — |
| IR Range | 60m | — |
| IR Wavelength | 940nm (invisible) | — |
| WDR | 145dB Extreme WDR | WDR (no dB rating specified) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps @ 2048×1536; 30 fps @ 1920×1080 | — |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264 (Baseline/Main/High); MJPEG | — |
| IP Rating | IP66 | IP67 |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | — |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to 60°C | −40°C to 60°C |
| Power Input / PoE Class | PoE++ (802.3bt) or DC 12V | 802.3af PoE (under 13W) |
| ONVIF Profiles | Profile S, G, T, M | Profile S |
| Edge Analytics | VMD; People Counting; Smoke Detection | — |
| Audio | Built-in mic; Mic-in; Line-in; Line-out | — |
| Mount Types | Wall; Ceiling; Pole; Rack | Wall; Eave; Bracket |
| Weight | 2098g (4.625 lb) | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the B412 or the BL34000-002U?
The B412 is the stronger choice when imaging depth, analytics, and VMS breadth are the primary evaluation criteria. Three concrete spec deltas support this: first, the B412 provides a quantified 145dB Extreme WDR rating and a 0-lux IR floor at 60m, while the BL34000-002U supplies no dB figure for WDR and no IR range or illumination floor; second, the B412 adds IK10 impact resistance absent from the Geovision spec sheet; third, the B412 supports ONVIF Profiles S, G, T, and M plus documented edge analytics (VMD, People Counting, Smoke Detection) and full audio I/O, versus Profile S only and no stated analytics or audio for the BL34000-002U. The BL34000-002U holds two advantages from its specifications: IP67 submersion tolerance versus IP66, and 802.3af standard PoE versus the B412's 802.3bt requirement—meaningful where switch infrastructure cannot supply higher wattage. Choose the BL34000-002U where power budget and existing 802.3af infrastructure are fixed constraints.
Is the B412 or BL34000-002U better for low-light performance?
Based on the provided specifications, the B412 is documented to 0.003 lux in color and 0 lux with 940nm IR active at a 60m range. The BL34000-002U lists IR capability but provides no minimum illumination figure or IR range in the available specifications, so a direct numerical comparison cannot be made from the data at hand.
Will either camera work on a standard PoE switch without an injector or switch upgrade?
The BL34000-002U draws under 13W and runs on 802.3af PoE, which is supported by virtually all PoE-capable switches. The B412 is listed as requiring PoE++ (802.3bt) as its primary power mode, which requires a compatible 802.3bt switch port or injector; not all existing PoE infrastructure supports 802.3bt.
Can either camera integrate with third-party VMS platforms beyond the manufacturer's own software?
Both cameras declare ONVIF compliance. The B412 is specified as compliant with ONVIF Profile S, G, T, and M, providing broad third-party VMS compatibility. The BL34000-002U is listed as ONVIF Profile S and is noted as compatible with Geovision's GeoVision platform; no additional ONVIF profiles are listed in the provided specifications.
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